Social support and social network profiles among women on methadone

We examined the network profiles and social supports of 151 women on methadone, exploring to whom women turn for different types of support and how flow of support is associated with the network member's personal and relational characteristics and network structure. Women reported a total of 795 network members, with an average network size of 5.9 individuals. The networks were long-term, ethnically homogeneous, and of high density. Support within personal networks is contingent on the types of support required, the relational characteristics, and the network structures. Findings from this study may be useful in helping practitioners and program developers to better comprehend the social milieu of drug users, particularly women enrolled in methadone treatment programs.